by Indiana Wake
“Is that all you’ve done?” he asked and walked through to the dining room.
Gina felt her exhaustion come back and she had to fight it back down. This was going to be a difficult marriage. As she thought the word -- marriage -- crushing grief filled her and tears sprang to her eyes. “Oh Lambert, what have I done?”
“Have you cooked me a meal?”
Gina looked up as the words boomed from the dining room. Surely he could smell the delicious stew and the biscuits she had cooked? Keeping her growing sense of despair at bay she went through to the kitchen and dished up his supper. “I hope you enjoy it,” she said as she put the stew, dumplings, and biscuits on a plate near him.
“It smells good,” he said and started to eat. Waving a fork at her he continued to talk, “You need to keep the house clean and prepare food for me; that’s all I require of you.”
And then just like the day before he ate his meal without even glancing at her. There was no, how was your day? No, thank you for the meal, nothing. Gina didn’t know what to make of him as she stood there staring at his bowed head. After a few moments, she brought herself a dish full of stew and sat down at the table. “Did you have a pleasant day?” she asked hoping to bring him out of himself.
An angry eye peered across at her. “I work hard all day; all I want from you is good food and a clean home.”
Wondering if she had heard correctly, Gina opened her mouth to speak, but the words froze in her throat. Had he just said that? For a second her fork wavered in front of her she fought down a combination of sorrow and anger. But this would not do. She would not be spoken to like this, not if they were to have a lifetime together. “I’m sorry Mr. Epperson,” she managed. “I don’t mean to be rude but are you implying that you’re only marrying me so I can take care of your house and cook you meals?”
Mr. Epperson looked at her with his eyebrows raised. A small nod confirmed that she had heard correctly. Gina gawked at him, her worst fears realized. As she stared in disbelief, he went back to eating and anger flared in Gina’s chest.
“Well Mr. Epperson, if that’s the only reason why you are marrying me then I am sure you could find a maid who could do all that for you.”
His head rose and there was a strange look in his eyes. Gina gestured down at her protruding belly and continued haughtily, “As you can see, I am not in much of a condition to be running around the house trying to please you. Like my letter said I am a hard worker and I will do all that I can but I expected a loving husband in return and I expected help.” Once she had started she lashed out with all her bottled up frustration and maybe a little residual grief. It did not matter this insensitive man deserved all she could give him.
As she finished, he pushed back his chair so hard it fell to the floor. A flicker of fear ran down Gina’s spine as he crossed the room between them. Now he was standing over her, peering down and she shrank back from him.
“How dare you to talk to me in that manner,” he growled, pulling her chair around so she faced him. “You would do well to remember that I will not tolerate your attitude. You should be grateful to me that I plan on marrying you. Here I am, giving you my name, your child my name, putting a roof over your head and food in your ungrateful belly. The least you can do is look after my house and cook the meals. Why, with your condition and staying in a house with a man, who do you think would marry you? Who would even tolerate you?”
Gina shrank away from him and it felt as if every word flung at her was like a physical blow. No one had ever treated her like this and she did not know what to do. But he was right, at least in part. Nobody would ever want to marry a woman carrying the child of another man. No one would give her child a name or a home. But did that mean she had to put up with this? Her shoulders went back and she bristled with anger. Standing up quickly she smiled to see that her presence pushed him backward. There was a flicker of something on his face. Maybe he was not used to someone standing up to him, but his rudeness had made her angry. “You don’t know anything about me,” she fired at him. “You have no right to treat me like this. And just because no one might marry me doesn’t mean I have to settle for less and wed you”, she almost screamed the last words at him.
Before she could say anything else, a resounding sound echoed around the room and white hot pain spread across her left cheek. She staggered backward from the blow and the fight was knocked out of her. She stared at Mr. Epperson, who went back to his food, seemingly not the slightest bit ashamed for slapping her across the face. Once he was eating again he said in a calm manner as if continuing a conversation, “Like I said earlier, you would do well to remember that I will not tolerate your attitude. Keep in mind you will only be making things worse for yourself. Now if you would, I’d like a second portion”.
Chapter 5
Chaney watched the beautiful, pregnant woman walk out of the store and it was as if his heart broke. For many years, he had known Bill Epperson and he knew what lay in store for her. What could he do? An idea came to his mind and he looked up at Jed. “I’ll come back for these. I have things to do.”
With that he raced out to his horse, grabbed the reins and vaulted into the saddle. Kicking his heels into the sorrel’s flanks he turned it towards the Lazy T. There were people there who had helped him; maybe they would know what to do.
Chaney rode hard all the way to the ranch and as he got there, he jumped from his horse before it stopped and ran towards the house. The door opened and Susan and Ellie Treherne came running out.
“What is it, Chaney?” Susan asked. “Is someone hurt?”
Her hand was holding her heart and suddenly Chaney realized what they must think. That he had ridden here to tell them one of their husbands had been injured. “No, ma’am. I’m sorry I have seen a woman in danger and I wanted your advice.”
At that moment Foster Treherne, the two ladies father-in-law came out. “It’s mightily hot to be riding that hard, Chaney. You go water that horse you hear, rub him down and give him some feed, then you can come and talk.”
“Yes sir,” Chaney said and he winked at the two women as he led the horse to the stables.
“Don’t be hard on him Father,” Susan said as she took Foster’s arm and led him into the house.
While Chaney looked after his mount, it gave him time to think. The two sisters had been sent West by a wicked Aunt. They were both big, beautiful women and had fallen in love with the two Treherne sons. It had been a difficult courtship, but everything had worked out. When he first arrived here, Chaney had been accused of horse stealing. It had been the two sisters that had saved his life and his honor and he would do anything for them. But it was more than that. They had taught him to help others, and right now he felt he had to help the beautiful, pregnant woman. Then he wondered, was it Bill’s baby? A shudder went through him as he walked to the house.
Once they had coffee and cake in front of them, Foster let him talk. “So son what is it?” he asked.
Chaney explained about the beautiful, pregnant woman who was betrothed to Bill Epperson. “We have to help her, you taught me that.”
Foster laughed but the two women were looking worried.
“And this has nothing to do with the fact that she is beautiful?” Foster asked.
Chaney felt heat spread across his cheeks and he lowered his head and took a sip of coffee.
“Father don’t tease our guest,” Susan said. Then she turned her pretty face to Chaney. “Did the woman look hurt?” she asked.
“No.”
“Did she ask for help?”
“No,” Chaney said and he felt his hopes draining away. “You’re not gonna help?”
“We didn’t say that,” Ellie said. “We just wonder if there is a problem. But what we can do. In fact, we have been talking about doing this anyway. As good neighbors, we can go over and welcome the newcomer to our town.”
“That’s fantastic, maybe you can talk to her and see what is what,” Chaney said. “Maybe I
should come with you?”
“I don’t think that would be a good idea,” Susan said.
Chaney rubbed his hands together, he really wanted to see her again but would it be right. “I understand,” he said before he even realized he was doing it. “I have stock to see to so I will go home and come back first thing in the morning. You can let me know how you got on.”
“Come back around 3 pm. We can have a spot of coffee and talk some more after the visit,” Foster said.
Chaney rode home feeling as if he had done something good. He knew there was a long road ahead of them, but this was a start. If the lady needed help he would be there for her and he had friends who would back him up.
***
Gina rubbed her cheek all the way back to the kitchen, tears welling up inside her eyes. She decided not to let him see that she was hurt and so she sniffed and wiped her tears away. She prepared an extra bowl of stew and once her eyes were dry she took it back to Mr. Epperson and placed it in front of him. Excusing herself, she went up to her room and closed the door behind her. She tried not to make a sound as she sat in the corner and let her tears pour down her cheeks. Taking deep breaths, she tried to come to terms with what had happened. How could Mr. Epperson do something like this knowing that she was five months pregnant?
She washed her face and patted it dry before pulling out her petticoat, the one with the money sewn into the hem. Saying a quick prayer and giving thanks to God for Lilly she lay down on her clean smelling bed and tried to forget the day.
She was lost in thought when she heard Mr. Epperson call out her name. She didn’t want to look at his face but decided it would be better to go see what he needed. She saw him sitting at the table, scribbling down notes. As soon as he noticed her he placed his pen down.
“I apologize,” he said. “I realize that I was out of line earlier. I shouldn’t have raised my hand at you no matter how much the situation called for it.”
Gina just looked at him, stunned. He was apologizing, but somehow it didn’t sound like much of an apology. Still, thinking it was his first offense and that her yelling had instigated the whole thing, she decided to let it go. She gave a small, watery smile and said, “It is quite alright Mr. Epperson. All is forgotten.”
Looking back down at his papers, he said distractedly, “Good, good. Now, do be a dear and build up the fire. It has been a long day.”
Gina could not believe what she had heard, but she dutifully went out to the store of logs piled up next to the house and brought in more wood. Once the fire was stoked and a supply of wood was in the basket ready for later, she returned to the table. He was still writing. “If you don’t mind I will retire for the evening. I am tired with the pregnancy and the long journey.”
Without looking at her, he waved a dismissal.
The following morning she woke with the dawn and stumbled out of bed. Quickly she reset the fire and put some biscuits in the oven to warm. When she heard his stirring, she cooked up some eggs and served them with the warm biscuits and lashings of butter. Coffee was on the stove and already the kitchen smelled like a home. Gina waited for a kind word or any form of communication, but all he did was grunt at her and eat his food. Once it was gone, he pushed the plate away and left the house.
Gina sank into a chair and cried. How would she manage, how would she cope? As the tears fell she knew that she had no choice, she was stuck here for the sake of the child.
A knock on the door made her heart pound and she stopped her tears. Who could it be? “Just a minute,” she called. Quickly she splashed water on her face and wiped her eyes. Taking a breath, she headed for the door. She opened it to see two big, beautiful young ladies stood before her. Beaming smiles lit up their faces and there was a basket in one of the girl’s hands.
“Good afternoon, how may I help you?” she asked, thinking that they might have come looking for Mr. Epperson.
“Good day to you, Miss,” said the elder of the two. “We actually came to welcome you to the neighborhood. You see Mr. Epperson usually doesn’t share much about his life with anyone so we didn’t really know that you had arrived until we heard about it from the store. We surely would have welcomed you sooner in a much better way”, she smiled welcomingly.
Gina appreciated the gesture and asked them to come inside. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked as she waved for them to sit.
“That would be lovely and we brought you this coffee cake. I am Susan and this is my sister Ellie. We just came over to see who the lovely woman is that would be marrying such a private man as Mr. Epperson.” Susan smiled and offered her the basket. “These are for you, please accept it.”
Gina felt tears prickling at the back of her eyes. These were the first kind words she had heard since she got here. Still it chilled her to the bone to be addressed as Mr. Epperson’s soon to be wife, but she would not show it. “Thank you. I’m Gina McMaken.”
“Nice to meet,” Ellie said in a delighted voice. “We live on a ranch about a half a mile from here. You must come visit us sometime.”
Gina nodded even though she was sure that Mr. Epperson would not like it. Quickly she made them lemonade and cut three slices of the delicious looking cake. As they sat and talked, she could not help but notice how pretty and graceful the sisters were, even though they were larger than most women. She returned her attention back to Susan, who seemed to be staring at her cheek. Had the slap left a mark? Unconsciously her hand went to where he had hit her and color flooded her face.
Gina smiled and opened her mouth to try and ease the tension but before she could say a word, Susan began talking. “I’m sorry if I seem to be intruding in your personal life but is everything okay?” Susan asked.
Gina blushed in embarrassment and stuttered, “Y…Yes, everything is good, I just get tired real quick, you know with the baby on the way.” She prayed that they wouldn’t ask any more questions.
Susan smiled as she looked at Gina’s round belly, “What a blessing a baby is.” she seemed to be whispering to herself.
For a few more moments, they ate in silence. “Susan is also expecting,” Ellie said with a delighted smile on her face.
Susan gave her sister a look, but Ellie took no notice. “Won’t it be lovely when you both have your babies? I so want a child of my own, but so far God hasn’t blessed me, but I know he will. Do you feel blessed?” Ellie asked.
The question took Gina by surprise. Did she? Then she realized that she had not been thinking in those terms. Since she had arrived here, all she had done was look on the dark side. But Mr. Epperson was right, she had a roof and food and her baby would have a name. From today onwards she would thank God for what she did have and she would make things better. “Yes I do,” she said and having friends locally will make me feel even more so.”
“That is wonderful. Maybe we could pick you up Sunday morning for the church service?” Ellie asked.
Gina noticed the look of worry that crossed Susan’s face. Did that mean that he would not allow her to go? Surely not. “I would like that,” she said.
After that, the conversation was easy and the ladies talked for almost an hour. Gina was getting nervous now; she needed to get some work done before he got home. It was as if Susan understood.
“Well we’ll be off now,” Susan said standing. “It has been lovely to see you and we will pick you up Sunday morning. If you need us in the meantime, walk to the road and turn north. You will come to the Lazy T. Ranch and can find us there.”
At the door, the two ladies hugged her and Gina had to fight back tears. What wonderful friends they would be, she just hoped that she would be allowed to have them.
For the rest of the day, she cleaned the house and by the time Mr. Epperson got home she was pleased with the job she had done. She just hoped that it would be enough for him.
Chapter 6
That night Mr. Epperson came home and appeared to grunt his approval at the house. Gina served him his meal and then a big
piece of coffee cake. While she picked at her own stew, she waited for the right time to mention church. What would he say? The minutes ticked past and he made no attempt to start a conversation so she decided to do it for him.
“I will be doing some washing tomorrow, where do you put your dirty clothes?”
“On the floor of my room. You can wash them and change my bed.”
“Of course,” she said. “There is one thing I would like to ask.
He looked up and there was meanness in his eyes. It stopped her heart, but she would continue, the church was important to her and he would not stop her going.
“What is it?” he asked.
“I wish to go to church on Sunday morning.”
“The preacher’s not there if he were we would be married.”
“I understand that, but I believe a service is still held. I’m sure you will not mind if I go to church each Sunday. It is important to me.”
“I won’t take you,” he barked.
“That is all right I have a friend who has offered to take me.”
Gina could not believe the speed at which he stood and crossed the room. Again a pain erupted on her cheek bone and in her eye. She felt herself falling backward as the chair was knocked over and she fell to the floor. Blood was seeping from a cut on her cheekbone as she lay there shivering. A stabbing pain zipped across her face. She touched her head and her fingers came back wet. She looked down to see blood. Mr. Epperson just stared at her and the blood for a moment, not saying a word before he turned and quietly left the house.